A declaration · reflective in mood · a little context helps
“True knowing is rarer than striving, even among the successful.”
Among thousands of people, one may strive for perfection; among those striving, one may know Me in truth.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
Read literallyof people · among thousands · some one · strives · for perfection · even among those striving · of the perfected · some one · Me · knows · in truth
Many people try to reach perfection, but very few reach true understanding of Krishna. Effort is common; real realization is rare.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Jnana Vijnana Yoga" (Knowledge and Wisdom).
Verse 3 sits in Chapter 7 of the Bhagavad Gita — Jnana Vijnana Yoga, "Knowledge and Wisdom". The chapter has 30 verses in total.
In a coaching centre of a thousand students, a handful study for the subject itself, and fewer still come to understand it. Krishna's arithmetic runs the same way: many try, and a rare few come to know him.
Did you like this verse?
One in thousands strives for perfection, Krishna says, and among those strivers, one may know him in truth.
What this verse means
Many people try to reach perfection, but very few reach true understanding of Krishna. Effort is common; real realization is rare.
Context & commentary
Arjuna has already been told that Krishna can be known fully. Krishna now makes the point sharper: countless people seek achievement, but a rare few come to know him as he is. This prepares Arjuna for a deeper teaching.
What it looks like today
In a coaching centre of a thousand students, a handful study for the subject itself, and fewer still come to understand it. Krishna's arithmetic runs the same way: many try, and a rare few come to know him.
“It leaves you humble: sincere effort matters, but deep understanding asks for more than effort alone.”
Explore related themes: shraddha (34 verses)